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New president shakes up military

May 29, 2003|By Items compiled from Tribune news services.

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA — New President Nestor Kirchner overhauled Argentina's military leadership Wednesday in what could lead to the biggest shake-up in the armed forces since dictatorship ended two decades ago.

In a move that angered the army, Kirchner named a general from his home province as top commander and pushed three military chiefs into retirement; 24 other officers, two-thirds of all generals, could also go soon.

With the army weak and underfunded, Argentina's military poses little real threat to a civilian government.

Outgoing army head Ricardo Brinzoni said the changes were "inexplicable" but the army would abide by the law.